Generally, tooth sensitivity is relatable to a wide audience; having your teeth hurt on hot or cold foods (heat sensitive tooth), whenever you brush your teeth, and even if you touch the tooth (tooth sensitive to touch with finger) is a thing that people find very common. It can be an agonizing concern, but the right news is that simple strides in your oral cleanliness can help to cope with tooth affectability quickly.
In this article, we will look at how to relieve tooth sensitivity with proper oral care, the reasons for tooth sensitivity, and how to manage sensitive teeth effectively.
Tooth sensitivity, or dentin hypersensitivity, happens when the protective layers of your teeth — enamel or cementum — are worn down and expose the softer inside layer of dentin. Dentin has tiny tubules that travel to the nerve within the tooth. When exposed to stimuli like cold, heat, and even touch, these tubules send pain signals to the nerve, making them sensitive.
Some common triggers include:
Identifying the underlying cause of tooth sensitivity is the first step to knowing how to effectively address tooth sensitivity.
Also Read: Why Is Good Oral Hygiene Important For Older Adults
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of factors, including:
Frequent brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode your enamel in the long run. This creates a dentin exposure that causes sensitivity. To protect your enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity, it is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently.
Gum recession can expose teeth's roots, which, unlike crowns, don't have a protective enamel coating. When that happens, the dentin is exposed, making teeth extremely sensitive to cold and other stimuli. Good gum health is essential for preventing gum recession and sensitivity.
Bruxism or grinding your teeth — particularly in your sleep — can wear down enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. A mouthguard worn while sleeping will help protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching, and it can also minimize sensitivity.
Some people are sensitive to their dental work, such as fillings or teeth whitening. Tooth sensitivity after filling is common but temporary and can be uncomfortable. It usually goes away in a few days to a couple of weeks. But if you have persistent sensitivity, seeing your dentist is important.
Untreated cavities can expose the tooth’s inner layers and cause pain and sensitivity. Tooth decay prevention guidelines prevention of initial decay visit your dentist for regular check-ups and related aspects, By not allowing the teeth to be a source of pain, your dentist can also help in identifying the early signs of tooth sensitivity so that they can be treated in time.
So, if you’re looking for a fast way to get rid of tooth sensitivity, good oral hygiene is your best solution. A good and regular dental care routine is a great way to prevent further damage to your teeth and minimize sensitivity.
Using desensitizing toothpaste is one of the simplest yet effective solutions for tooth sensitivity. Such toothpastes are formulated with compounds such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride that pack the tubules at the dentin, blocking stimuli from reaching the tooth's nerve. Regularly desensitizing toothpaste can ease pain from a heat-sensitive tooth or advice sensitive to cold.
Too-vigorous brushing or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can worsen sensitivity by removing your enamel. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and brush gently in circular motions to help alleviate sensitivity. This minimizes the chances of enamel erosion and gum recession.
Food and drinks that are acidic — citrus fruit, soda, and wine, for example — can erode tooth enamel, causing teeth to be more prone to sensitivity. The less you consume these foods, the more enamel you can keep and save yourself from tooth sensitivity. If you do eat acidic items, rinse out your mouth with water afterward to dilute the acids.
As gum recession is a leading cause of tooth sensitivity, healthy gums are critical to long-term relief. Brush and floss regularly and see a dentist for regular check-ups to maintain healthy gums and prevent gum disease and recession. An antimicrobial mouthwash reduces the bacteria responsible for gum disease, thus relieving tooth sensitivity.
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and may help protect sensitive teeth. Use fluoride mouthwash or gel regularly to protect against sensitivity from enamel erosion. If your sensitivity is more severe, your dentist can advise you on getting a fast-acting fluoride treatment that will provide relief.
Is It Common? It is quite common to have tooth sensitivity after filling, especially if it was done on deep cavities or nerves. Tooth sensitivity after filling how long does it last? Typically, this sensitivity is transient and will go away after a few days. But there are things you can do to relieve tooth sensitivity in the interim:
Steer Clear of Extreme Temperatures: Following the filling, your tooth may be sensitive to cold or heat, so it’s smart to skip very hot or cold foods and drinks for a few days.
Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste. Such toothpaste can reduce pain signals through the dentin, which may help after a filling.
Be Gentle When Brushing: Gently brush near the space where the filling was inserted and avoid too much pressure.
If your sensitivity persists for more than two weeks or if your tooth becomes sharply sensitive to cold or heat after the filling, it’s a good idea to consult your dentist to confirm that there is no underlying problem.
Sensitive teeth to extreme temperatures can be annoying. It can be a heat sensitive tooth or a tooth very sensitive to cold, but the only way out for relief is to treat the root cause. Here’s how to address sensitivity to hot and cold:
Do Not Consume Extremely Hot and Cold Foods: If you have cold sensitivity in your teeth, do not eat ice cream, cold drinks, or very hot foods. Instead, reach for lukewarm or room-temperature options.
Try a Desensitizing Mouthwash: This will help plug the tubules in your dentin, reducing sensitivity to heat or cold.
Use a Mouthguard if You Grind Your Teeth: Grinding worsens sensitivities to temperature. A custom-fitted mouthguard that you wear at night can help protect your enamel and minimize sensitivity.
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If your tooth is sensitive to touch with a finger, the gums probably aren’t covering its surface properly — meaning the gums and/or tooth itself are likely inflamed or exposed. This can be caused by gum recession, a lost root, or even a small injury. To ease tooth sensitivity, in this case, you can:
Use Anti-Inflammatory Mouthwash: Mouthwash or salt water can help tame inflamed gums and reduce sensitivity.
Visit Your Dentist: If the issue continues or intensifies, your dentist can examine the affected area and suggest treatments, such as a gum graft or bonding to cover the exposed root.
Tooth sensitivity is discomfort and pain, but the right oral hygiene can give you fast relief and long-lasting protection. Whether it’s too cold or touch or heat, tooth sensitivity is commonly fixed by better brushing habits, desensitizing products (like toothpaste), and making sure your gums are healthy.
If you visit your dentist when necessary and adhere to these tips, you'll be able to relieve tooth sensitivity and avoid suffering from it in the future! Routine dental visits ensure your smile isn’t sore, and your overall mouth stays healthy for years.
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